Mu-hwi recognized Jegal Jin and stood up from his seat.

“Greetings, Grand General.”

“No need for formalities. Please, sit.”

Jegal Jin glanced at the books spread out before Mu-hwi, his interest piqued.

“You have quite a collection on sword formations and tactics, I see.”

“Yes. While the Mount Hua Sect boasts a variety of sword techniques, we lack comprehensive manuals on sword formations.”

Mu-hwi had been diligently studying all the manuals on sword formations available in the Martial Alliance’s library, hoping to broaden his understanding.

“Hmm… Are you planning to create a new formation?”

It was well-known among the martial arts community that Mu-hwi had developed the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique.

Jegal Jin, upon seeing the manuals on formations, immediately thought of a new sword formation.

Given that Mu-hwi had already created a sword technique, it wasn’t surprising that he might develop a new formation.

Mu-hwi merely smiled in response to Jegal Jin’s question, but Jegal Jin realized his guess was correct.

“Amazing. If you continue to build your martial arts knowledge like this, the Mount Hua Sect will surely see the rise of another great master.”

Jegal Jin paused briefly, then resumed his conversation, offering advice.

“Is there anything you’re curious about? Martial arts and formations are quite different in many respects.”

“The concepts of formations like the Eight Trigrams and the Ten Directions do seem to diverge from martial arts.”

“Hmm…”

Jegal Jin nodded thoughtfully before continuing.

“When researching sword formations, it’s not ideal to simply think of adding or multiplying the strength of the warriors involved.”

Mu-hwi paused in turning the pages of his book, reflecting on Jegal Jin’s words.

He had initially thought of formations as merely a systematic way to coordinate attacks.

“Then how should it be approached?”

“Most formations manipulate the natural flow of energy to create changes in the world. These changes, though seemingly infinite, ultimately align with a single intent.”

Jegal Jin opened a book to show a diagram of a formation.

“A sword formation is simply a transformation of the flags and pillars of a traditional formation into people and martial arts. Consider what phenomenon you wish to create with the formation. Shift your thinking in this way.”

“A phenomenon to achieve…”

“Once you grasp that, it will become as familiar as capturing the intent of martial arts. After all, martial arts are also a means to create new changes and phenomena through personal strength and will.”

Jegal Jin’s explanation was straightforward.

Even within the Mount Hua Sect, they could make flowers bloom in midair with just sword techniques and internal energy.

“I see.”

Mu-hwi nodded, acknowledging Jegal Jin’s insights. Despite being less experienced than Mu-hwi, Jegal Jin’s words offered valuable perspectives on martial arts and enlightenment.

“I have more questions. Regarding the Eight Trigrams Formation…”

Mu-hwi didn’t hesitate to seek Jegal Jin’s wisdom.

Jegal Jin, in turn, was eager to provide answers, and their conversation continued for over an hour.

“I think I understand now. I’ve learned a lot.”

“I’m glad to hear that… Time has flown by, hasn’t it?”

Jegal Jin glanced at the shadows cast by the bookshelves and chuckled wryly.

“I didn’t come here for this, but I got caught up in our conversation.”

“Did you have a specific reason for visiting me?”

“Indeed. I’ll get straight to the point since time is short. Would you consider leading one of the Martial Alliance’s new combat units?”

“A combat unit?”

Jegal Jin nodded.

“Your martial prowess is undeniable, and having you, the winner of the Heavenly Martial Tournament, as the leader would elevate the status of the new unit.”

The new combat unit, despite being part of the Martial Alliance, wouldn’t automatically command respect. It needed to prove itself, and among the potential leaders, none were as suitable as Mu-hwi.

“Moreover, you’re not just someone who would stop at leading a combat unit.”

The elders of the Martial Alliance, including the leader, were keeping a close eye on Mu-hwi.

He was seen as a promising figure to lead the next generation of the Martial Alliance.

Jegal Jin shared this sentiment, hoping Mu-hwi would rise through the ranks, from unit leader to alliance leader.

Mu-hwi, unaware of the broader implications, didn’t realize that Jegal Jin’s proposal was also an invitation to take responsibility for the future of the Martial Alliance.

“I’m sorry.”

Despite Jegal Jin’s earnest request, Mu-hwi’s response was firm.

“Not even a moment’s hesitation. I’m a bit disappointed.”

“I have people to look after and duties to fulfill at the Mount Hua Sect.”

“Is that so?”

Mu-hwi’s resolute answer conveyed his determination. Jegal Jin, sensing this, didn’t press further and stepped back.

Recently, Mu-hwi had single-handedly defeated several high-ranking martial artists and even withstood five attacks from the notorious Qingbing Yinwang. The martial world was abuzz with talk of the Mount Hua Sword Saint’s return.

As such, Mu-hwi’s presence within the Mount Hua Sect was becoming increasingly significant.

With the sect on the rise again, Mu-hwi’s role was crucial.

Jegal Jin understood this and didn’t prolong the conversation. However, he hadn’t given up entirely.

“Then I’ll return when the Mount Hua Sect is at its peak.”

Jegal Jin’s persistence drew a wry smile from Mu-hwi.

“By then, the Martial Alliance will have found its footing as well.”

“The Martial Alliance operates on a global stage. But compared to the vast martial world, we are always in need of talent. You are always welcome in the Martial Alliance.”

After Jegal Jin left, Mu-hwi looked around at the books scattered about.

The scene was a result of Mu-hwi’s relentless questioning of Jegal Jin.

“Still, it was definitely helpful.”

Even as he received answers, Mu-hwi’s understanding of sword formations evolved and solidified, cutting down the time it would have taken to study alone.

Thus, Mu-hwi continued to immerse himself in the library, studying every manual on sword formations he could find.

He applied Jegal Jin’s insights on formations, integrating them with his martial arts knowledge.

“Yet there are still things I don’t understand.”

Mu-hwi visited Jegal Jin or the Sojeong Society to consult Jegal Myeong about formations more than a dozen times.

It wasn’t until his seventeenth visit that Mu-hwi felt he no longer needed to seek their guidance.

“Whew. Has it already been over a month since I secluded myself in the library to delve into sword formations?”

Mu-hwi muttered to himself as he reviewed the contents of the manual he had been compiling, nodding in satisfaction before closing it.

Then, he picked up a brush and inscribed eight characters on the front of the manual.

The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation.

“Not bad.”

Mu-hwi gazed at the words he had written, lost in thought.

The Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation required at least twenty-four disciples who had mastered the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique, or at the very least, the Plum Blossom Sword Principles.

“Twenty-four… It’s certainly possible.”

The current second-generation disciples had significantly improved, and the Mount Hua disciples were skilled enough to begin learning the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique immediately.

“But there’s no time in the current schedule for formation training…”

Although the second-generation disciples were rapidly advancing in their martial arts, Mu-hwi meticulously managed their training schedules.

After a moment of contemplation, Mu-hwi grinned.

“I’ll just have to sleep less.”

If training time was lacking, reducing sleep was the solution.

Mu-hwi’s quiet laughter echoed through the Martial Alliance’s library.

“Now, onto the mental cultivation techniques.”

The insights gained from the duel with Qingbing Yinwang.

Even while researching sword formations, Mu-hwi delved into mental cultivation manuals to clear his mind, though he hadn’t yet made significant progress.

But Mu-hwi wasn’t in a hurry; he planned to wait patiently for the right moment.

After all, enlightenment didn’t come from mere struggle.

Moreover, if he could fully integrate the principles of Zaha and Taeheo, the resulting martial art would undoubtedly be deemed divine.

Such a martial art wouldn’t be created overnight, so Mu-hwi focused on steadily enriching his inner self.

***

Clang! Clang!

“Mu-ryun! Mu-sang has been pushed back. Cover the left side!”

“Senior Brother Mu-ho! Please fill in for Senior Brother Mu-san! The position exchange is too slow!”

Mu-jin and Mu-hwa were tirelessly directing their senior brothers, their heads constantly in motion.

“Push forward!”

“Here’s an opening!”

From all directions, the younger generation of martial artists, many of whom had achieved high ranks in the recent Heavenly Dragon Tournament, were closing in.

Among them, the charges of the Thunderous Dragon and the Swift Cloud Dragon were particularly overwhelming.

Boom!

The Thunderous Dragon unleashed a powerful strike with his Thunderous Lightning Blade, while Je-yun’s agile movements created confusion.

Other martial artists, each displaying their unique skills, were relentlessly pressuring the disciples.

The sword formation, composed of twenty-four second-generation disciples, was teetering under the assault.

“Break through!”

“Ho, let’s target this position together!”

Mu-hwi observed the unfolding Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation from a platform above.

Although he had provided the manual to his senior brothers, mastering it wasn’t an immediate process.

Moreover, coordinating twenty-four individuals to move in perfect harmony was a slow endeavor.

“Still, they’re gradually getting the hang of it. The formation’s direction isn’t off.”

Mu-hwi had brought in the most skilled younger martial artists remaining in the Martial Alliance to rigorously test the disciples’ formation.

He had promised to offer guidance to anyone who could break the formation, so the younger martial artists were attacking it with fierce determination.

Mu-hwi was thoroughly pleased with the arrangement.

“Hmm…”

Mu-hwi glanced at the incense stick burning beside him.

Recently, the formation had collapsed before a third of the incense had burned, but now it was holding even as half of it had burned away.

Of course, it was clear that things were on the brink of collapse.

“Everyone, stay focused! If we fall apart early again, that’s another hour of training added!”

“Oh, come on!”

“Let’s try to get some sleep tonight!”

As Mu-Hwa reminded them of Mu-Hui’s stern warning, the disciples gritted their teeth and maintained their positions, coordinating their movements.

Under the relentless assault from the Thunder Dragon and the Cloud Dragon, the formation, which had been distorted into an oval, began to regain its circular shape.

Once restored, the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Formation resembled a plum blossom viewed from above, with five petals spread out.

“Good. Keep linking from left to right! I’ll handle the flanks.”

Following Mu-Jin’s command, the formation continued to flow smoothly.

“Hmm…”

Mu-Hui wasn’t pleased with the situation. He had hoped the formation would crumble by now, extending the disciples’ training time.

“Maybe next time, I’ll increase the number of opponents in the formation.”

Sun-Ju, overhearing Mu-Hui’s muttering, looked at him with exasperation.

“Brother Mu-Hui, aren’t you being too hard on them?”

“What are you talking about? This is all part of their training.”

“Can’t you see Mu-Hwa’s face? He used to have such a fair complexion before the Heavenly Dragon Tournament, and now he has dark circles under his eyes.”

“A little hardship in youth is fine.”

“What’s with that old man talk?”

Mu-Hui, at a loss for words, turned his head away.

“Quiet.”

While Mu-Hui observed the operation of the formation, a woman approached from a distance.

Hesitant at first, Im Su-Ryeon finally made her way toward Mu-Hui, who stood on the platform.

“Mu-Hui, may I have a word?”

“Miss Im.”

After exchanging greetings with Sun-Ju, Im Su-Ryeon glanced between the intense sword formation and Mu-Hui before asking, “Is this a good time?”

Though her face was as composed as ever, Mu-Hui noticed a slight crack in her usual demeanor.

“Is something the matter?”

Sensing something amiss, Mu-Hui asked, and Im Su-Ryeon nodded in response.

“I need your help, Mu-Hui.”